U.S. patent application number 16/481677 was filed with the patent office on 2020-03-26 for exhaust gas treatment device, exhaust line and method of manufacture.
The applicant listed for this patent is FAURECIA SYSTEMES D'ECHAPPEMENT. Invention is credited to Jean-Paul BRUNEL.
Application Number | 20200095960 16/481677 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58347686 |
Filed Date | 2020-03-26 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200095960 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BRUNEL; Jean-Paul |
March 26, 2020 |
EXHAUST GAS TREATMENT DEVICE, EXHAUST LINE AND METHOD OF
MANUFACTURE
Abstract
The device for treating exhaust gases comprises: at least one
purification member (3, 85), with a substrate (11, 87) for
purifying the exhaust gases; a heat exchanger (5) axially located
beyond an axial end of the substrate (11, 87); a body (29); a valve
(7) comprising a flap (31) arranged in the internal volume of the
body (29). The exchanger inlet (25) and the exchanger outlet (27)
open into the internal volume. At least 45% of a volume of the body
(29) is in a virtual space (E) located in the axial extension of
the one of more purification substrate(s) (11, 87). The body (29)
comprises at least one first orifice (39) in fluid communication
with the purification member outlet (20), and a second orifice (41)
defining an outlet for the exhaust gases.
Inventors: |
BRUNEL; Jean-Paul;
(MESLIERES, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FAURECIA SYSTEMES D'ECHAPPEMENT |
NANTERRE |
|
FR |
|
|
Family ID: |
58347686 |
Appl. No.: |
16/481677 |
Filed: |
January 26, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
January 26, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2018/051921 |
371 Date: |
November 18, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F01N 3/0205 20130101;
F01N 2410/00 20130101; F01N 3/02 20130101; F01N 2240/02 20130101;
F01N 13/009 20140601; Y02T 10/20 20130101; F02M 26/35 20160201;
F01N 2240/36 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F02M 26/35 20060101
F02M026/35; F01N 3/02 20060101 F01N003/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 27, 2017 |
FR |
17 50695 |
Claims
1. An exhaust gas treatment device for a vehicle, the device (1)
comprising: at least one exhaust gas purification member (3, 85),
the or each purification member (3, 85) including an outer
enclosure (9, 89), an exhaust gas purification substrate (11, 87)
housed in the outer enclosure (9, 89) and having a central axis (X,
X'), the or at least one of the outer enclosures (9, 89) having a
purification member outlet (20) for the exhaust gases; a heat
exchanger (5) including an exhaust gas circulation side provided
with an exchanger inlet (25) for the exhaust gases and an exchanger
outlet (27) for the exhaust gases, the heat exchanger (5) being
axially located beyond an axial end of the substrate (11, 87) of
the or each purification member (3, 85); a body (29) delimiting an
inner volume; a valve (7) including a flap (31) arranged in the
internal volume of the body (29) and movable relative to the body
(29); characterized in that the exchanger inlet (25) and the
exchanger outlet (27) open into the internal volume; at least 45%
of a volume of the body (29), preferably at least 55%, is in a
virtual space (E) located in the axial extension of the one or more
purification substrate(s) (11, 87), the virtual space (E)
comprising, for the or each purification member (3, 85), a cylinder
coaxial to the central axis (X, X') of the purification substrate
(11, 87) of said purification member (3, 85) and having a straight
section perpendicular to said central axis (X, X') identical to an
orthogonal projection of the purification substrate (11, 87) of
said purification member (3, 85) in a plane perpendicular to said
central axis (X, X'); the body (29) includes at least one first
orifice (39) in fluid communication with the purification member
outlet (20), and a second orifice (41) defining an outlet for the
exhaust gases.
2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first
orifice (39) and the exchanger inlet (25) extend in respective
planes forming an angle relative to one another of between
30.degree. and 120.degree..
3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the
flap (31) is movable at least between a short-circuit position in
which the flap (31) frees a direct passage for the exhaust gases
from the first orifice (39) to the second orifice (41) without
going through the heat exchanger (5), and a heat exchange position
in which the flap (31) closes off an opening (61) and intersects
the direct passage, the device (1) comprising a flow guide (65)
delimiting a circulation channel for the exhaust gases from the
first orifice (39) toward the opening (61), preferably up to the
opening (61).
4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the first
orifice (39) and the opening (61) extend in respective planes
forming an angle relative to one another of between 30.degree. and
120.degree..
5. The device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the
opening (61) is defined by a peripheral edge, the flow guide (65)
having a downstream end (67) defining a downstream opening (69) by
which the exhaust gases leave the circulation channel, the
downstream end (67) being separated from the peripheral edge of the
opening (61) by a gap (71).
6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the
downstream end (67), considered projected in a plane containing the
opening (61), fits inside the opening (61), the projection being
along a direction parallel to the plane in which the first orifice
(39) fits and contained in a plane perpendicular both to the first
orifice (39) and to the opening (61).
7. The device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized
in that the flow guide (65) has a passage section decreasing from
the first orifice (39) toward the opening (61).
8. The device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized
in that the device has an indirect passage for the exhaust gases
from the first orifice (39) to the second orifice (41), passing
through the heat exchanger (5), the direct passage and the indirect
passage being superimposed along the or one of the central axes
(X).
9. The device according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the first and second orifices (39, 41) extend
in respective planes forming an angle relative to one another of
between 30.degree. and 120.degree..
10. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, at
least 30% of a volume of the heat exchanger (5), preferably at
least 45%, is in the virtual space (E).
11. The device according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the heat exchanger (5) is housed in the
internal volume of the body (29).
12. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
characterized in that the heat exchanger (5) is arranged outside
the body (29), the body (29) having third and fourth orifices (43,
45) in fluid communication with the exchanger inlet (25) and with
the exchanger outlet (27).
13. The device according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the flap (31) is movable relative to the body
(29) around a rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the or
each central axis (X).
14. The device according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the flow guide (65) is separate from the body
(29).
15. The device according to any one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the outer enclosure (9) is closed on the
downstream side by a bottom (21) in which the purification member
outlet (20) is arranged.
16. A vehicle exhaust line, the exhaust line comprising: a main
line (93) on which a treatment device (1) according to any one of
the preceding claims is inserted; a line (95) for recycling exhaust
gases toward an air intake (97) of the engine (99); the circulation
side for the exhaust gases of the exchanger (5) comprises an
additional outlet (92) in fluid communication with the recycling
line (95).
17. A method for manufacturing a treatment device according to any
one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the method comprises
the following steps: making, by calculation, a static pressure
and/or speed map of the exhaust gases inside the body (29); using
the map, determining, at different points distributed on the walls
of the flow guide (65), a difference between a static pressure on
the internal side of the flow guide (65) and a static pressure on
the external side of the flow guide (65) and/or a tangential speed
of the exhaust gases on the internal side of the flow guide (65);
determining a variation interval of the pressure difference at said
points and/or a variation interval of the tangential speed at said
points; making holes (83) in the walls of the flow guide (65) in
zones where the pressure difference is in a lower half of the
variation interval of the pressure difference and/or the tangential
speed is in an upper half of the variation interval of the
tangential speed.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The invention generally relates to devices for treating
exhaust gases.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] More specifically, according to a first aspect, the
invention relates to a device for treating exhaust gases of a
vehicle, of the type comprising: [0003] at least one exhaust gas
purification member, the or each purification member including an
outer enclosure, an exhaust gas purification substrate housed in
the outer enclosure and having a central axis, the or at least one
of the outer enclosures having a purification member outlet for the
exhaust gases; [0004] a heat exchanger including an exhaust gas
circulation side provided with an exchanger inlet for the exhaust
gases and an exchanger outlet for the exhaust gases, the heat
exchanger being axially located beyond an axial end of the
substrate of the or each purification member; [0005] a body
delimiting an inner volume; [0006] a valve including a flap
arranged in the internal volume of the body and movable relative to
the body.
[0007] EP 2,955,362 describes such a device. The purification
member is closed on the downstream side by a cup in which two
outlets are arranged for the exhaust gases. One of the outlets
emerges in the valve body, and the other in the heat exchanger.
[0008] Such an arrangement allows the device for treating exhaust
gases to be extremely compact. Conversely, stray losses are very
high. This means that the movements of the exhaust gases in the
heat exchanger remain significant even when the valve is in the
short-circuit position and steers the exhaust gases into a passage
path that bypasses the heat exchanger.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In this context, the invention aims to propose a device for
treating exhaust gases that is compact, and in which the stray
losses are decreased.
[0010] To that end, the invention relates to a device for treating
exhaust gases of the aforementioned type, characterized in that:
[0011] the exchanger inlet and the exchanger outlet open into the
internal volume; [0012] at least 45% of a volume of the body,
preferably at least 55%, is in a virtual space located in the axial
extension of the one or more purification substrate(s), the virtual
space comprising, for the or each purification member, a cylinder
coaxial to the central axis of the purification substrate of said
purification member and having a straight section perpendicular to
said central axis identical to an orthogonal projection of the
purification substrate of said purification member in a plane
perpendicular to said central axis; [0013] the body includes at
least one first orifice in fluid communication with the
purification member outlet, and a second orifice defining an outlet
for the exhaust gases.
[0014] Thus, the heat exchanger is supplied with exhaust gases only
through the body. There is no longer any direct communication
between the outlet of the purification member and the inlet of the
heat exchanger for the exhaust gases.
[0015] The treatment device may further have one or more of the
features below, considered individually or according to any
technical possible combination(s): [0016] the first orifice and the
exchanger inlet extend in respective planes forming an angle
relative to one another of between 30.degree. and 120.degree.;
[0017] the flap is movable at least between a short-circuit
position in which the flap frees a direct passage for the exhaust
gases from the first orifice to the second orifice without going
through the heat exchanger, and a heat exchange position in which
the flap closes off an opening and intersects the direct passage,
the device comprising a flow guide delimiting a circulation channel
for the exhaust gases from the first orifice toward the opening,
preferably up to the opening; [0018] the first orifice and the
opening extend in respective planes forming an angle relative to
one another of between 30.degree. and 120.degree.; [0019] the
opening is defined by a peripheral edge, the flow guide having a
downstream end defining a downstream opening by which the exhaust
gases leave the circulation channel, the downstream end being
separated from the peripheral edge of the opening by a gap; [0020]
the downstream end, considered projected in a plane containing the
opening, fits inside the opening, the projection being along a
direction parallel to the plane in which the first orifice fits and
contained in a plane perpendicular both to the first orifice and to
the opening; [0021] the flow guide has a passage section decreasing
from the first orifice toward the opening; [0022] the device has an
indirect passage for the exhaust gases from the first orifice to
the second orifice, passing through the heat exchanger, the direct
passage and the indirect passage being superimposed along the or
one of the central axes; [0023] the first and second orifices
extend in respective planes forming an angle relative to one
another of between 30.degree. and 120.degree.; [0024] at least 30%
of a volume of the heat exchanger, preferably at least 45%, is in
the virtual space; [0025] the heat exchanger is housed in the
internal volume of the body; [0026] the heat exchanger is arranged
outside the body, the body having third and fourth orifices in
fluid communication with the exchanger inlet and with the exchanger
outlet; [0027] the flap is movable relative to the body around a
rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the or each central
axis.
[0028] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a
vehicle exhaust line, comprising: [0029] a main line on which a
treatment device is inserted having the above features; [0030] a
line for recycling exhaust gases toward an air intake of the
engine; [0031] the circulation side for the exhaust gases of the
exchanger comprises an additional outlet in fluid communication
with the recycling line.
[0032] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a
method for manufacturing a treatment device having the above
features, the method comprising the following steps: [0033] making,
by calculation, a static pressure and/or speed map of the exhaust
gases inside the body; [0034] using the map, determining, at
different points distributed on the walls of the flow guide, a
difference between a static pressure on the internal side of the
flow guide and a static pressure on the external side of the flow
guide and/or a tangential speed of the exhaust gases on the
internal side of the flow guide; [0035] determining a variation
interval of the pressure difference at said points and/or a
variation interval of the tangential speed at said points; [0036]
making holes in the walls of the flow guide in zones where the
pressure difference is in a lower half of the variation interval of
the pressure difference and/or the tangential speed is in an upper
half of the variation interval of the tangential speed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge
from the detailed description given below, by way of indication and
without limitation, with reference to the annexed figures,
including:
[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a treatment device according
to a first embodiment of the invention, the body being shown
transparent to leave the members located inside the latter
visible;
[0039] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of part of the device
of FIG. 1, the flap being shown in the short-circuit position;
[0040] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of certain elements of FIG. 2,
considered along the incidence of arrow III of FIG. 2;
[0041] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of elements of FIG. 2,
considered along another incidence, the flap being shown in the
heat exchange position;
[0042] FIGS. 5 and 6 are simplified illustrations of the body, the
flow guide and the heat exchanger, considered in a plane
perpendicular to the axis of the purification member, respectively
showing the result of calculations simulating speeds of the exhaust
gases and exhaust gas pressures inside the body;
[0043] FIGS. 7 to 9 illustrate a second and third embodiment of the
invention;
[0044] FIGS. 10 to 13 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the
invention;
[0045] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a fifth embodiment of the
invention; and
[0046] FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate a variant of the fifth embodiment
of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0047] The device for treating exhaust gases shown in FIG. 1 is
intended to be inserted into the main line of a vehicle exhaust
line.
[0048] The vehicle is typically a motor vehicle, for example a car
or truck.
[0049] In the present application, upstream and downstream will be
understood relative to the normal direction of the exhaust
gases.
[0050] The treatment device 1 comprises at least one member for
purifying exhaust gases 3, a heat exchanger 5, and a valve 7.
[0051] A first embodiment of the invention will now be described,
in reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.
[0052] The treatment device 1 includes a single member for
purifying exhaust gases. In a variant, the device includes two or
more members for purifying exhaust gases.
[0053] The or each purification member 3 includes an outer
enclosure 9, and at least one substrate 11 for purifying exhaust
gases housed in the outer enclosure 9 and having a central axis
X.
[0054] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the purification member has
only one substrate 11. In a variant, the purification member 3
includes two purification substrates placed in series, or more than
two substrates.
[0055] The or each substrate is typically a three-way catalyst
(TWC), a particle filter, or an NOx trap, or a hydrocarbon and CO
oxidation catalyst, or an NOx reduction catalyst, or a SCR
(Selective Catalytic Reduction) catalyst or an SCRF (Selective
Catalytic Reduction Filter) member, etc.
[0056] The substrate 11 has any appropriate shape. The central axis
X is generally parallel to the direction of flow of the exhaust
gases within the purification member. It generally passes through
the geometric center of each straight section of the substrate
considered perpendicular to the direction of flow of the exhaust
gases.
[0057] Typically, the outer enclosure 9 includes a tubular central
part 13, an upstream end part 15 and a downstream end part 17. The
central part 13 is typically substantially cylindrical, for example
with a circular base. It is typically coaxial to the central axis
X. The upstream and downstream end parts 15, 17 are attached on two
opposite axial ends of the central part 13.
[0058] The outer enclosure 9 has a purification member inlet 19 and
a purification member outlet 20 for the exhaust gases, visible in
FIG. 2.
[0059] The inlet 19 is connected to an upstream part of the main
line and communicates fluidly with a manifold capturing the exhaust
gases leaving the engine.
[0060] In the illustrated example, the upstream end part 15 is a
cone. It defines the purification member inlet 19 for the exhaust
gases.
[0061] In the illustrated example, the downstream end part 17 is
cup-shaped. It includes a bottom 21 and a flanged edge 23 extending
over the entire periphery of the bottom 21. The bottom 21 is
substantially perpendicular to the central axis X. The flange edge
23 is attached, and more specifically rigidly sealably fastened, on
the central part 13 of the outer enclosure.
[0062] The outlet 20 is cut into the downstream end part 17, and
more specifically into the bottom 21.
[0063] In other words, the outer enclosure 9 of the purification
member is closed on the downstream side by a bottom 21, in which
the purification member outlet 20 is arranged.
[0064] The heat exchanger 5 includes an exhaust gas circulation
side and a heat transfer fluid circulation side, the exhaust gases
ceding part of their heat energy to the heat transfer fluid while
passing through the heat exchanger 5. The heat transfer fluid is
provided for example to heat the coolant of the engine, or the
passenger compartment of the vehicle, or any other circuit or
member of the vehicle.
[0065] The exhaust gas circulation side is provided with an
exchanger inlet 25 for the exhaust gases and an exchanger outlet 27
for the exhaust gases, which are for example visible in FIG. 4.
[0066] The heat exchanger 5 is located, in the axial direction,
past an axial end of the or each purification member 3. This means
that the heat exchanger 5 is completely placed, axially, on one
side of the purification member(s).
[0067] The device 1 includes a body 29 delimiting an inner volume.
The valve 7 includes a flap 31 arranged in the internal volume of
the body 29 and movable relative to this body 29.
[0068] Typically, the body 29 is attached on the outer enclosure 9,
and more specifically on the downstream end part 17.
[0069] Typically, the valve 7 includes a mechanism for driving the
flap 31.
[0070] In the illustrated example, the flap 31 is rotatable
relative to the body 29 around a rotation axis that here is
combined with the central axis X.
[0071] In a variant, the rotation axis is not combined with the
central axis X. According to another variant, the flap moves
relative to the body 29 according to a movement that is not
rotational.
[0072] In the illustrated example, the flap 31 is fastened to a
tubular hub 33, mounted rotating around bearings 35, only one of
the bearings being shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. The drive mechanism
typically includes an actuator, not shown, and a kinematic chain
transmitting the rotating torque from the actuator to a rod 37
visible in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. The rod 37 is secured in rotation with
the hub 33.
[0073] At least 45% of a volume of the body 29 is in a virtual
space E located in the axial extension of the purification
substrate(s) 11.
[0074] The virtual space E is reflected in FIG. 1.
[0075] More specifically, for the or each purification member 3,
the virtual space E comprises a cylinder coaxial to the central
axis X of the purification substrate 11 of said purification member
3. This cylinder has a straight section, perpendicular to said
central axis, identical to an orthogonal projection of the
substrate 11 of said purification member over a plane perpendicular
to said central axis X. [0076] Thus, when the treatment device 1
includes only one purification member 3, the virtual space E
comprises only one cylinder.
[0077] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the orthogonal
projection of the purification substrate 11 is substantially
circular. In a variant, it could be elliptical, oval, or have any
other shape, square, rectangular, etc.
[0078] As previously indicated, at least 45% of the volume of the
body 29 is housed in the virtual space E, preferably at least 60%,
still more preferably at least 75%, and even more preferably at
least 90%.
[0079] In the example of FIG. 1, about 80% of the volume of the
body 29 is housed in the virtual space E.
[0080] Likewise, at least 30% of the volume of the heat exchanger 5
is housed in the virtual space E, preferably at least 45%, still
more preferably at least 60%, and even more preferably at least
90%.
[0081] The virtual space E axially has a limited length, less than
twice the axial length of the purification member 3, preferably
less than the axial length of the purification member, still more
preferably less than 50% of the axial length of the purification
member.
[0082] The body 29 includes at least one first orifice 39 in fluid
communication with the purification member outlet 20. Furthermore,
the body 29 has a second orifice 41, defining an outlet for the
exhaust gases outside the internal volume of the body 29.
[0083] In the first embodiment, the heat exchanger 5 is located
outside the body 29. The exchanger inlet 25 and the exchanger
outlet 27 open into the internal volume of the body 29. The body 29
has third and fourth orifices 43, 45 in fluid communication
respectively with the exchanger inlet 25 and the exchanger outlet
27.
[0084] Typically, as illustrated in the figures, the first orifice
39 is placed to coincide with the outlet 20. It then typically has
substantially the same size and the same shape as the outlet 20,
which it completely covers.
[0085] Likewise, typically, the third and fourth orifices are
placed to coincide with the inlet 25 and the outlet 27. They thus
have substantially the same size and the same shape as the inlet 25
and the outlet 27, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4.
[0086] In a variant that is not shown, the first, third and fourth
orifices are connected by pipe portions to the purification member
outlet, the exchanger inlet and the exchanger outlet.
[0087] In the first embodiment, the second orifice 41 is connected
to a downstream part of the main line, and is in fluid
communication with a cannula by which these exhaust gases are
released into the atmosphere.
[0088] According to one advantageous aspect of the invention, the
first orifice 39 and the exchanger inlet 25 extend in respective
planes forming an angle relative to one another of between
30.degree. and 120.degree., preferably between 65.degree. and
105.degree., and for example equal to 90.degree.. Thus, the exhaust
gases penetrating inside the body through the first orifice must
change directions to penetrate inside the heat exchanger. This
contributes to decreasing the stray losses in the heat
exchanger.
[0089] Likewise, the exchanger outlet 27 is generally oriented in
the same way as the exchanger inlet 25, and typically also forms an
angle of between 30.degree. and 120.degree. with the first
orifice.
[0090] In the first embodiment, the first orifice 39 and the second
orifice 41 extend in respective planes that also form an angle
relative to one another of between 30.degree. and 120.degree.,
preferably between 65.degree. and 105.degree., and for example
equal to 90.degree.. Thus, the body 29 is used to cause the exhaust
gases to change directions, which is necessary in certain
geometries of the exhaust line.
[0091] In the example of FIG. 1, the body 29 includes a base plate
47 and a lid 49 attached on the base plate 47. The third and fourth
orifices 43, 45 are cut into the base plate 47. The base plate 47
includes a bottom 51 and an upright edge 53 on which the lid 49 is
attached. The base plate 47 bears the bearings 35. The latter are
arranged such that the rod 37 is positioned between the third and
fourth orifices 43, 45.
[0092] In the illustrated example, the base plate 47 has a
substantially rectangular shape.
[0093] In the illustrated example, the lid 49 generally has a
semi-cylindrical shape.
[0094] It has a side wall 55, substantially coaxial to the central
axis X, and extending over about 180.degree. around the axis X. It
also includes upper and lower semicircular walls 57, 59 secured to
the side wall 55. The walls 55, 57 and 59 define a mouth between
them with a shape corresponding to that of the upright edge 53,
closed off by the base plate 47. The first orifice 39 is arranged
in the lower wall 59, and the second orifice 41 in the side wall
55.
[0095] Typically, the lower wall 59 is pressed against the bottom
21 of the downstream part of the enclosure 9.
[0096] The flap 31 is movable at least between a short-circuit
position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in which the flap 31 frees a direct
passage for the exhaust gases from the first orifice 39 to the
second orifice 41 without going through the heat exchanger, and a
heat exchange position shown in FIG. 4, in which the flap 31 closes
off an opening 61 located along the direct passage, and thus
intersects the direct passage.
[0097] The device 1 also has an indirect passage for circulation of
the exhaust gases from the first orifice 39 to the second orifice
41, passing through the heat exchanger 5. In the heat exchange
position, the exhaust gases circulate in the indirect passage.
[0098] Typically, the flap 31 closes off one end of the heat
exchanger 5 in the short-circuit position. Advantageously, the flap
31 closes off the outlet of the exchanger 27.
[0099] In the illustrated example, the valve 7 includes a frame 63
rigidly fastened in the internal volume of the body 29. The opening
61 is defined in the frame 63.
[0100] In the illustrated example, the frame 63 extends in a radial
plane relative to the rotation axis of the flap 31. It extends
substantially from the hub 33 to the side wall 55.
[0101] In the short-circuit position, the flap 31 closes off the
fourth orifice 45. In the heat exchange position, the flap 31
closes off the opening 61, and is pressed against the frame 63.
[0102] The opening 61 and the first orifice 39 extend in respective
planes forming an angle between them of between 30.degree. and
120.degree., preferably between 45.degree. and 105.degree.. In the
exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6, the angle is 90.degree..
[0103] The treatment device 1 advantageously comprises a flow guide
65 delimiting a circulation channel for the exhaust gases from the
first orifice 39 toward the opening 61, preferably up to the
opening 61.
[0104] As shown in FIG. 2, the flow guide 65 has a downstream end
67, defining a downstream opening 69 by which the exhaust gases
leave the circulation channel
[0105] The downstream end 67 is separated from the peripheral edge
of the opening 61, i.e., of the frame 63, by a gap 71. In other
words, the downstream end 67 is located opposite and in the
immediate vicinity of the peripheral edge of the opening 61.
Conversely, the downstream end 67 is not in contact with the
peripheral edge of the opening 61.
[0106] Furthermore, the downstream end 67, considered projected in
a plane containing the opening 61, fits inside this opening 61. As
shown in FIG. 3, at least 75% of the downstream end 67 fits inside
the opening 61, preferably at least 90% of the downstream end 67.
Considered here is a projection along a direction parallel to the
plane in which the first orifice 39 fits, said direction being
contained in a plane perpendicular both to the first orifice 39 and
to the opening 61.
[0107] This makes it possible to prevent exhaust gas streams from
being stopped by the frame, which would create a local overpressure
in the gap 71. This local overpressure would lead to an increase of
the exhaust gas flow rate toward the inlet of the exchanger, and
therefore to an increase of the stray power.
[0108] The flow guide 65 also has an upstream end 73 defining an
upstream opening 75 located opposite and in the immediate vicinity
of the first orifice 39.
[0109] In the illustrated example, the upstream opening is slightly
smaller than the first orifice. Thus, nearly all of the exhaust
gases penetrating inside the body through the first orifice 39 are
captured by the flow guide 65, then channeled to the downstream end
67.
[0110] The upstream opening 75 and downstream opening 69 here are
substantially perpendicular to one another.
[0111] As shown in particular in FIG. 2, these openings open one
into the other, in that they are not separated from one another by
a material bridge. This makes the flow guide 65 easier to
manufacture.
[0112] Each opening is thus defined by a U-shaped edge, the two
U-shaped edges being substantially perpendicular to one
another.
[0113] The flow guide 65 has a passage section for the exhaust
gases decreasing from the first orifice 39 toward the opening 61,
i.e., from upstream to downstream.
[0114] The flow guide 65 has an inner wall 77 and an outer wall 79,
opposite one another. The inner wall 77 faces toward the base plate
47. The outer wall 79 faces toward the side wall 55. The walls 77
and 79 are connected to each other by a bowed wall 81. Each wall
77, 79 defines part of the edge of the upstream opening, part of
the edge of the downstream opening. The bowed wall 81 extends over
an angular sector of about 90.degree., from the upstream opening to
the downstream opening. It is convex toward the inside of the
channel, with a substantially U-shaped bottom.
[0115] The presence of the flow guide 65 contributes to reducing
the stray losses, when the flap is in the short-circuit position.
It also contributes to reducing the recirculations inside the body
and the back-pressure, in the short-circuit position of the
flap.
[0116] The walls of the flow guide are pierced by holes 83. As
explained later, and as illustrated in FIG. 6, these holes are
positioned in zones where the pressure difference at the wall
between the inner side of the flow guide and the outer side of the
flow guide is small. In addition to this criterion, or in place of
this criterion, the holes are made in zones of the walls where the
speed of the exhaust gases is high (see FIG. 5). Here, the
tangential speed is considered, i.e., the speed of the exhaust
gases along the wall, parallel to this wall. The higher this speed
is when the exhaust gases pass by the holes, the smaller the
quantity of exhaust gases escaping through the holes will be when
the flap is in the short-circuit position.
[0117] These selection criteria for the position of the holes 83
make it possible to reduce the stray flow.
[0118] In the illustrated example, the holes 83 are positioned in
the inner wall 77 and in the outer wall 79 of the flow guide.
[0119] FIG. 5 illustrates the speeds of the exhaust gases inside
the body.
[0120] The internal volume of the body has been divided into
several zones referenced a to e, substantially corresponding to
speed ranges for the exhaust gases. The speeds increase from a to e
in that order, zone a being the lowest speed, and zone e being the
highest speed.
[0121] One can see that the holes 83 are located in zones of the
walls where the tangential speeds are high. The tangential speed is
lowest at the bowed wall 81 and highest along the inner and outer
walls 77, 79. It increases as one approaches the downstream end
67.
[0122] FIG. 6 shows the pressure level inside the flow guide. The
pressure is substantially uniform outside the flow guide.
[0123] The inside of the flow guide has been divided into several
zones referenced a to o, substantially corresponding to pressure
ranges decreasing in that order. Zone a is the zone of highest
pressure, zone o is the zone of lowest pressure.
[0124] One can see that the holes 83 are located in the zones where
the pressure difference on either side of the walls of the flow
guide is relatively low.
[0125] The pressure is greatest along the bowed wall 81 and weakest
along the inner and outer walls 77, 79. It decreases as one
approaches the downstream end 67 of the flow guide 65.
[0126] The operation of the purification device 1 will now be
outlined.
[0127] The exhaust gases penetrate inside the purification member 3
through the inlet 19. After having passed through the or each
substrate 11, the exhaust gases leave the purification member 3
through the outlet 20. They then penetrate inside the body 29
through the first orifice 39.
[0128] When the flap 31 is in the short-circuit position, the
exhaust gases are steered by the flow guide 65 from the first
orifice 39 up to the opening 61. They circulate inside the
circulation channel There are captured completely by the upstream
opening 75, and are deviated by the walls of the flow guide up to
the downstream opening 69. Due to the arrangement of the downstream
opening 69 of the flow guide relative to the opening 61, the head
loss generated by the exhaust gases passing through the opening 61
is reduced. Likewise, due to the position of the holes 83 on the
walls of the flow guide, only a small quantity of exhaust gas
leaves the circulation channel by passing through the walls of the
flow guide or by passing through the gap 71. This contributes to
reducing the quantity of exhaust gases penetrating through the
opening 25 into the heat exchanger.
[0129] The presence of the flow guide 65 in particular makes it
possible to reduce the head losses related to the change of
circulation direction of the exhaust gas flow when the latter goes
from the outlet 20 of the purification member to the second orifice
41, and to reduce the quantity of exhaust gas penetrating through
the inlet 25 into the heat exchanger (stray losses).
[0130] The shape of the outlet 20 has been chosen so as to maximize
the inlet section in light of the packaging and weld connection
constraints. The shape of the upstream end 73 has been chosen so as
to create an inlet rack into the flow guide, making it possible to
minimize the fluid stream contraction and therefore the head loss
downstream.
[0131] In the heat exchange position, the flap 31 closes off the
opening 61. As shown in FIG. 4, the exhaust gases follow the
indirect passage. More specifically, the exhaust gases leaving the
purification member 3 through the outlet 20 penetrate inside the
body 29 through the first orifice 39. They are captured by the flow
guide 65, and circulate along the circulation channel delimited by
the flow guide. They leave the circulation channel through the gap
71 existing between the downstream end 67 of the flow guide and the
opening 61. They also leave the flow guide through the holes 83.
The presence of a gap 71 of sufficient width, and a sufficient
number of holes 83, makes it possible to reduce the back-pressure
when the flap 21 is in the heat exchange position. After having
left the circulation channel inside the flow guide 65, the exhaust
gases follow the indirect passage. More specifically, the gases
penetrate inside the heat exchanger 5 through the inlet 25, travel
through the heat exchanger and return to the inside of the body 29
through the outlet 27. They then circulate up to the second orifice
41 inside the body.
[0132] It should be noted that in the first embodiment, the direct
passage and the indirect passage are juxtaposed in a plane
perpendicular to the central axis X.
[0133] A second embodiment of the invention will now be described,
in reference to FIG. 7. Only the differences between this second
embodiment and that of FIGS. 1 to 6 will be outlined below.
Identical elements or elements performing the same function will be
designated using the same references.
[0134] In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the purification device
comprises two purification members. In addition to the purification
member 3, the treatment device 1 comprises an additional
purification member 85.
[0135] Typically, the purification member 3 includes a purification
substrate 11 of the TWC (Three-Way Catalyst) type: HC, CO and NOx)
or of the DOC (Diesel Oxidation Catalyst) type.
[0136] The additional purification member 85 in this case typically
includes at least one purification substrate 85 of the GPF
(Gasoline Particulate Filter) type, or CGPF (Coated GPF) type, or
TWC, or DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) type or SCR (Selective
Catalytic Reduction) type, or SCRF (Selective Catalytic Reduction
Filter) type, or a reduction catalyst (DeNOx).
[0137] The substrate 87 has a central axis X'.
[0138] The additional purification member 85 also includes an outer
enclosure 89, the or each substrate 87 being housed inside the
enclosure 89.
[0139] Typically, the axes X and X' are parallel to one another. In
a variant, they form a non-nil angle relative to one another.
[0140] The purification members 3 and 85 are arranged side by side,
in that their outer enclosures are arranged opposite one another.
The outer enclosure 89 has a purification member inlet, not shown,
fluidly communicating with the second orifice 41 of the body.
Typically, the second orifice 41 and the purification member inlet
are placed to coincide.
[0141] Such an architecture is known as U-shaped architecture.
[0142] Because the treatment device 1 includes several purification
members, the virtual space E comprises several cylinders. The
cylinders are typically separate volumes, separated by a gap.
According to a variant that is not shown, the cylinders touch one
another and together define a continuous virtual space.
[0143] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7, the space E comprises
two cylinders. The section of the space E depends on the shape of
the substrate of each purification member.
[0144] If for example each purification substrate has a circular
section, the virtual space E has a straight section made up of two
circles, of identical sizes or different sizes, separated from one
another.
[0145] If the purification substrates have a square section, the
virtual space E is in the shape of two separate squares.
[0146] In such an architecture, part of the body 29 is located in
the axial extension of the outer enclosure of the purification
member 3, and another part of the body 29 is arranged in the axial
extension of the additional purification member 85. Conversely, an
intermediate part of the body 29 is not housed in the virtual space
E, but in the space located between the two cylinders making up the
virtual space E.
[0147] Advantageously, the body 29 makes up the volume making it
possible to connect the outlet of the purification member 3 to the
inlet of the additional purification member 85.
[0148] Such an embodiment is particularly compact.
[0149] In this embodiment, the third orifice 43 is not located in a
plane perpendicular to the first orifice 39. It is rather located
in a plane parallel to the first orifice, opposite the latter.
[0150] The fourth orifice 45 is located in a plane parallel to the
third orifice 43.
[0151] The second orifice 41 is not located in a plane
perpendicular to the first orifice. It is rather located in a plane
substantially parallel to the first orifice 39.
[0152] A variant of the second embodiment of the invention will now
be outlined, in reference to FIG. 8. Only the differences between
this variant and FIG. 7 will be described below. Identical elements
or elements performing the same functions will be designated using
the same references.
[0153] FIG. 8 illustrates invariant of the treatment device that is
particularly compact. In this variant, the outer enclosures 9 and
89 of the two purification members are separated from one another
by an extremely small space.
[0154] Such an architecture of the two purification members is
described in the patent application filed under number EP
15,305,613.0.
[0155] The body 29 defines a mouth 90 that adapts itself around the
outer enclosures 9 and 89 of the two purification members. It has,
opposite the mouth 90, a bottom 91 in which third and fourth
orifices 43 and 45 are arranged.
[0156] The frame 63 extends from the bottom 91 toward the mouth 90.
It divides the mouth 90 into two zones, along a line coinciding
with the space separating the outer enclosures 9 and 89.
[0157] A third embodiment of the invention will now be described,
in reference to FIG. 9.
[0158] Only the differences between this third embodiment and the
second will be described below.
[0159] Identical elements or elements performing the same functions
will be designated using the same references.
[0160] In this embodiment, the side of the heat exchanger provided
for the circulation of the exhaust gases includes an additional
outlet 92. This outlet 92 is tapped immediately upstream from the
exchanger outlet 27. The outlet 92 is never closed off,
irrespective of the position of the flap 31. Such a treatment
device is provided to be integrated into an exhaust line of the
type comprising: [0161] a main line 93 on which the treatment
device 1 is inserted; [0162] a line for recycling 95 exhaust gases
toward an air intake 97 of the engine 99, the additional outlet 92
being in fluid communication with the recycling line 95.
[0163] In the upstream direction, the main line 93 connects the
treatment device 1 to an exhaust manifold 101 capturing the exhaust
gases coming from the combustion chambers of the engine. In the
downstream direction, the main line 93 connects the treatment
device to a cannula, not shown, by which the exhaust gases, after
purification, are released into the atmosphere.
[0164] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a
treatment device 1 having the above features.
[0165] The method comprises at least the following steps: [0166]
making, by calculation, a static pressure and/or speed map of the
exhaust gases inside the body 29; [0167] using the map,
determining, at different points distributed on the walls of the
flow guide 65, a difference between a static pressure on the
internal side of the flow guide and a static pressure on the
external side of the flow guide and/or a tangential speed of the
exhaust gases on the internal side of the flow guide; [0168]
determining a variation interval of the static pressure difference
at said points and/or a variation interval of the tangential speed
at said points; [0169] making holes 83 in the walls of the flow
guide 65 in zones where the pressure difference is in a lower half
of the variation interval of the pressure difference and/or where
the tangential speed is in an upper half of the variation interval
of the tangential speed.
[0170] Thus, the position of the holes can be chosen by considering
only the pressure differences on either side of the wall of the
flow guide, or only the tangential speed of the exhaust gases at
the wall of the flow guide, or considering both criteria at
once.
[0171] The map is produced by calculation, considering one or
several typical operating cases of the vehicle.
[0172] The variation interval of the pressure difference is bounded
downwardly by the smallest pressure difference for all of the
considered points, and upwardly by the greatest pressure difference
for all of the considered points. Typically, points are considered
distributed over all of the walls of the flow guide, in particular
the walls 77, 79 and 81.
[0173] Likewise, the variation interval of the tangential speed is
bounded downwardly by the lowest tangential speed for the
considered points, and upwardly by the highest tangential speed for
the considered points.
[0174] The holes are made where the pressure difference is in a
lower half of the variation interval, preferably in a lower quarter
of the variation interval. Likewise, the holes are preferably made
in the zones where the tangential speed is in an upper half of the
variation interval, preferably in an upper quarter of the variation
interval.
[0175] The maximum number of holes are made in the zone where the
static pressure difference is in the lower half of the
interval.
[0176] A fourth embodiment of the invention will now be described
in reference to FIGS. 10 to 13.
[0177] Only the differences between this fourth embodiment and the
first will be outlined below. Identical elements or elements
performing the same functions will be designated using the same
references.
[0178] In the fourth embodiment, the base plate 47 of the body 29
is replaced by a cover 105. The cover 105 has a concave shape and
is typically obtained by stamping.
[0179] The heat exchanger 5 is housed in the internal volume of the
body 29, typically inside the cover 105.
[0180] The body 29 for example includes internal partitions 107,
109 arranged inside the cover 105 and rigidly fastened to the cover
105. The internal partitions 107, 109 divide the internal volume of
the cover 105 (FIG. 11) into three chambers, hereinafter called
inlet chamber 111, intermediate chamber 113 and outlet chamber 115.
The heat exchanger 5 is placed in the intermediate chamber 113,
which is defined between the internal partitions 107 and 109.
[0181] The exchanger inlet 25 is placed to coincide with an orifice
cut into the internal partition 107. The exchanger inlet 27 is
placed to coincide with an orifice cut into the internal partition
109.
[0182] The cover 105 has a free edge with closed contour 117,
delimiting an opening 119. The free edge 117 has a shape
corresponding to that of the mouth of the cover 49. It is sealably
fastened to the mouth of the cover 49, for example by welding.
[0183] The inlet chamber 111 opens into the internal volume of the
lid 49 through the opening 119, upstream from the opening 61.
[0184] The outlet chamber 115 also opens into the internal volume
of the lid 49 through the opening 119, but downstream from the
opening 61.
[0185] As shown more particularly in FIG. 12, the internal
partition 109 defines, with a zone 121 of the cover 105, a cutoff
orifice 123. In the short-circuit position, the flap 31 closes off
the cutoff orifice 123. The outlet chamber 115 communicates with
the internal volume of the lid 49 only through this cutoff orifice
123.
[0186] One can see in FIGS. 12 and 13 that an edge 125 of the
internal partition 109 is bent so as to define, with the zone 121,
a sealing step for the flap 31. The edge 125 and the zone 121
extend in a same plane, parallel to the axis X in the illustrated
example.
[0187] As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the body 29 includes a bracket
part 127, the frame 63 making up one of the two faces of the
bracket. The bracket 127 is rigidly fastened to the cover 105. The
second face 129 of the bracket extends in the opening 119, in a
plane substantially parallel to this opening 119. This plane
contains or is parallel to the axis X. As visible in particular in
FIG. 12, the face 129 includes a solid zone 133 extended by two
arms 135. The solid zone 133 adjoins the joining ridge between the
frame 63 and the face 129. The arms 135 extend the solid part 133
while moving away from the joining ridge, and extend along the free
edge 117, on either side of the chamber 111.
[0188] The internal partition 107 is rigidly fastened to the solid
part 133. Thus, the solid part 133 closes the intermediate chamber
113, substantially from the internal partition 107 up to the frame
63. The intermediate chamber 113 is only in fluid communication
with the part of the internal volume of the lid 49 located
downstream from the opening 61.
[0189] The two arms 135 are provided to allow rigid, sealed
fastening of the face 129 to the cover 105, in particular along the
edge 117.
[0190] As visible in particular in FIGS. 11 to 13, a web of a
thermally insulating material is inserted between the heat
exchanger 5 and the cover 105 or the solid wall 133. This web is
referenced 137. Inlet and outlet tubes 139, 141 bring the heat
transfer fluid to and discharge it from the exchanger 5. These
tubes pass through the cover 105.
[0191] The circulation of the exhaust gases will now be
described.
[0192] In the heat exchange position, the valve 31 closes off the
opening 61. The exhaust gases penetrating inside the body 29
through the first orifice 39 travel through the circulation channel
defined by the flow guide 65, and leave the latter through the gap
71 and through the holes 83. They next flow in the inlet chamber
111, then penetrate the heat exchanger 5. They cede part of their
heat energy to the heat transfer fluid inside the heat exchanger 5,
and leave the latter to penetrate the outlet chamber 115. They next
pass through the cutoff orifice 123, return to the internal volume
of the cover 49, downstream from the opening 61, and leave the body
29 through the second orifice 41.
[0193] In the short-circuit position, the valve 31 closes off the
cutoff orifice 123.
[0194] The opening 61, conversely, is freed. The exhaust gases
penetrating the body through the first orifice 39 flow in the
circulation channel defined by the flow guide 65 up to the opening
61. They pass through the opening 61 and flow directly up to the
second orifice 41.
[0195] A fifth embodiment of the invention will now be described in
reference to FIGS. 14 and 15.
[0196] Only the differences between this fifth embodiment and the
fourth will be described below. Identical elements, or elements
performing the same functions, will be designated using the same
references in both embodiments.
[0197] In the fifth embodiment, the flap 31 is movable relative to
the body 29 around a rotation axis substantially perpendicular to
the or each central axis X.
[0198] Furthermore, the direct circulation passage of the exhaust
gases and the indirect passage are superimposed along the or one of
the central axes X.
[0199] In the illustrated example, the direct passage is arranged
in the immediate vicinity of the outlet 20. The indirect passage,
in which the heat exchanger 5 is housed, is offset axially at a
distance from the outlet 20. The direct passage and the indirect
passage are separated from one another by an intermediate partition
145 substantially perpendicular to the axis X.
[0200] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, aside
from the intermediate partition 145, the body 29 includes a lower
half-shell 147, an upper half-shell 149, an outlet cone 151 and a
frame 153 on which the flap 31 is articulated.
[0201] The lower half-shell 147 has a bottom 155 surrounded by a
lower flanged edge 157. The first orifice 39 is cut into the lower
bottom 155. The lower bottom 155 is pressed against the downstream
end part 17 of the outer enclosure 9 of the purification member 3.
More specifically, the lower bottom 155 is pressed against the
bottom 21 of the downstream end part.
[0202] The upper half-shell 149 includes an upper bottom 159,
surrounded by an upper flanged edge 161. The free edge of the lower
flanged edge 157 is engaged in the free edge of the flanged edge
161 and is tightly welded thereon.
[0203] The bracket 153 is generally corner-shaped.
[0204] More specifically, it includes a lower plate 163 and an
upper plate 165, extending in respective planes forming an angle of
between 45 and 105.degree. relative to one another. The lower and
upper plates 163, 165 are connected to one another by a bowed part
167. The plates 163 and 165 are parallel to the rotation axis of
the flap. In the illustrated example, the lower and upper plates
163 and 165 converge toward one another, i.e., converge toward the
bowed part 167, along a transverse direction Y perpendicular to
both the rotation axis and the central axis X.
[0205] The lower and upper plates 163 and 165 are also connected to
one another by two end plates 169, which are substantially
perpendicular to the rotation axis. In the example, the plates 169
have a triangular shape. The plates 169 support the rotational
guide bearings of the flap 31.
[0206] The opening 61 is cut out in the lower plate 163. An
intermediate opening 171 is cut out in the upper plate 165. The
flap 31 is placed in the volume defined between the plates 169, the
lower plate 163 and the upper plate 165. In the heat exchange
position, shown in FIG. 14, the flap 31 closes off the opening 61.
In the short-circuit position, the flap 31 closes off the
intermediate opening 171, as shown in FIG. 15.
[0207] The opening 61 and the first orifice 39 preferably extend in
respective planes forming an angle between them of between
30.degree. and 60.degree., which is equal to 45.degree. in the
illustrated example.
[0208] The plates 169, the lower plate 163 and the upper plate 165
define, opposite the bowed part 169, an outlet opening 173, in
which the outlet cone 151 is nested. The second outlet 41 is
delimited by the end of this cone opposite the frame 153. The cone
151 is tightly welded on the frame 153.
[0209] The lower and upper flanged edges 157, 161 have
interruptions opposite one another, the frame 153 being pushed in
between the half-shells through these interruptions. The outlet
opening 173 is located substantially in line with the
interruptions. Conversely, the bowed part 167 is pushed in inside
the volume defined by the lower and upper half-shells. The end
plates 169 are pressed against the zones of the lower and upper
flanged edges adjoining the interruptions.
[0210] The intermediate plate 145, at a transverse edge, is welded
against the bowed part 167. It extends transversely from the bowed
part 167. Its opposite transverse end 175 is located transversely
distant from the flanged edges 157 and 161.
[0211] In the illustrated example, one thus creates, between the
transverse end 175 and the flanged edge 157, an aperture 177
through which the direct circulation passage communicates with the
indirect passage.
[0212] The heat exchanger 5 is placed in the indirect passage,
between the intermediate partition 145 and the upper bottom 159.
The tubes 179 of the heat exchanger, traveled through by the
exhaust gases, extend transversely.
[0213] In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15,
the downstream end 67 of the flow guide 65 stops further from the
opening 61 than in the other embodiments. Thus, the gap 71
separating the downstream end 67 from the lower plate 163 has a
large width.
[0214] According to one advantageous arrangement shown in FIGS. 14
and 15, the flow guide 65 is integral with the bottom 21. It is for
example obtained by stamping of the bottom 21. It protrudes inside
the body 29 through the first orifice 39.
[0215] As illustrated in FIG. 14, in the heat exchange position of
the flap 31, the exhaust gases penetrate inside the body 29 through
the first orifice 39. They are channeled by the flow guide 65 up to
the gap 71. Part of the exhaust gases passes through the flow guide
via the holes 83.
[0216] The exhaust gases then circulate transversely from the gap
71, up to the opening 177. They penetrate inside the indirect
passage through the opening 177. They then circulate transversely
through the heat exchanger 5, and pass through the intermediate
opening 171. They next circulate in the outlet cone 151 up to the
second orifice 41.
[0217] When the flap 31 is in the short-circuit position, the
exhaust gases penetrate inside the internal volume of the body 29
through the first orifice 39, and are channeled by the flow guide
65 up to the opening 61. After having passed through the opening
61, they travel through the outlet cone 151 and leave the body 29
through the second orifice 41.
[0218] This fifth embodiment has multiple advantages.
[0219] Due to the orientation of the rotation axis of the flap, the
actuator driving the rotation of the flap relative to the body 29
can be arranged on the side of the body 29, and not axially in the
extension of the body 29 like in the first embodiment. The rod 37
driving the flap 31 can come out either on one side of the body 39
or on the opposite side.
[0220] Because the flow guide 65 is integrated into the bottom 21,
the device includes one part less than in the fourth
embodiment.
[0221] The axis of the outlet cone 151 is able to be oriented as
needed, which is not possible in the fourth embodiment.
[0222] The frame 153, supporting the rotation bearings of the flap
31, is a rigid structure, independent of the lower and upper
half-shells.
[0223] The rotation angle making it possible to take the flap 31
from its heat exchange position to its short-circuit position is
small.
[0224] The maneuvering torque is reduced, due to the fact that the
radial width of the flap is reduced in favor of its axial width.
Thus, the lever arm of the force from the gases is reduced, and
therefore the maneuvering and maintaining torque is also
reduced.
[0225] The frame 153 is assembled to the outlet cone 151 by
peripheral welding, making it possible to avoid any leaks between
these two parts.
[0226] In the fifth embodiment, the body 29 has a reduced bulk
relative to the fourth embodiment, at least in the axial
direction.
[0227] Several variants of the fifth embodiment will now be
described, in reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.
[0228] Only the points by which each variant differs from the
embodiment of FIGS. 14 and 15 will be outlined below. Identical
elements or elements performing the same functions will be
designated using the same references.
[0229] These variants can be implemented independently of one
another, or in combination.
[0230] The flow guide 65 is longer than in the exemplary embodiment
of FIGS. 14 and 15. It extends practically up to the lower plate
163, such that the gap 71 has a reduced width.
[0231] Furthermore, the flow guide 65 is not integral with the
bottom 21. It is attached either on the bottom 21 or on the lower
half-shell 147.
[0232] The heat exchanger 5 is arranged in a tilted position, as
shown in the figures. Thus, the tubes 179 are not oriented
transversely, but form an angle with the transverse direction,
typically of between 10.degree. and 30.degree..
[0233] The upstream end of each tube 179 is, along the central axis
X, relatively closer to the outlet 20 than the downstream end of
the tube.
[0234] The tilted position makes it possible to reduce the volume
of the body, and the exchange surface upstream from the exchanger.
It therefore makes it possible to minimize the heat losses and the
thermal inertia, and to minimize the section variations of the
channel between the gap and the inlet of the exchanger.
[0235] The outer enclosure of the heat exchanger 5 defines the
intermediate partition 175, and a part of the upper bottom 159. As
a result, the web 137 is eliminated.
[0236] At the transverse end of the body 29 opposite the cone 151,
the lower flanged edge 157 and the upper flanged edge 161 are
replaced by a rear lid 181. This rear lid 181 is tightly welded on
the lower half-shell 147 and on the outer enclosure of the heat
exchanger 5. The presence of the lid makes it possible to
facilitate the stamping of the two half-shells 147 and 149.
[0237] The rear lid 181 has a shape suitable for optimizing the
performance of the heat exchanger 5, by optimizing the distribution
of the exhaust gases in the tubes 179 of the heat exchanger. The
distribution is optimized in both directions, i.e., parallel to the
central axis X, and parallel to the rotation axis of the flap. Such
an optimization is possible due to the incline of the heat
exchanger.
[0238] Advantageously, the heat exchanger 5 includes a smaller
number of tubes. These tubes are wider in the direction of the
largest transverse dimension of the cross-section of the exchanger.
In the illustrated example, the exchanger 5 includes four tubes
179, superimposed on one another, each tube 179 extending over the
entire width of the heat exchanger 179, this width being considered
parallel to the rotation axis of the flap.
[0239] Irrespective of the embodiments or variants of the
invention, the flow guide 65 is preferably separate from the body
29.
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